Some of the reasoning that may have allowed this to happen is that Safety is the highest priority
of every airline…If we don’t get that right, nothing else that we do matters. The problem has been
that “Safety “ at an airline has been interpreted as something different than at any other
industry. If an airline’s safety record is in question it is typically passenger safety and safety
of flight that is referenced. If a typical factory’s safety record is presented, it is employee
injury rates that are referred to.
Over the years, and across all airlines, the employee ground safety programs have taken a back seat
to the high profile flight and passenger safety issues that are inherent with airline operations.
Also, Airlines live and die by FAA compliance for safety, however FAA regulations do little to
address employee safety and health issues.
Jurisdictional disputes and false perceptions that once existed over weather OSHA or FAA
regulations apply to airlines did little to advance the cause of employee injury prevention through
ergonomic methods.